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Cleveland County Schools home to winner of the 2017 Innovative Practice Award

Wendy Fitch, the Lead School Psychologist for Cleveland County Schools, has been named the 2017 winner of the Innovative Practice Award by the North Carolina School Psychology Association. Selected by her peers, Fitch won based on her leadership and commitment to working with children with autism in Cleveland County.

“I am proud of the award as it recognizes the work of our entire team,” said Fitch.

The award recognizes the recipient for having high-level innovative practices that proved significant benefits to a group of teachers, school, or school system as well as the children within the school systems.

“Wendy is a strong advocate for all students with disabilities and routinely provides support to school staff in the development of an inclusive, supportive, respectful, and nurturing environment,” said Dr. Nellie Aspel, the Director of Exceptional Children Services for Cleveland County Schools.

“Our Autism Support Framework includes a continuum of placement and service options, highly trained school-based and itinerant staff, professional development, coaching, specially designed instruction and an eclectic approach in meeting individualized needs through a variety of research-based strategies and models,” added Aspel. “Her ability to maximize resources and ensure best practices as she has designed and implemented the Autism Support Framework is commendable.”

Fitch received official recognition from her peers at the 2017 NCSPA Fall Conference in Durham in late October.

“We have great community support, and everyone truly works to ensure all children have an exceptional educational experience.”